Irish Chain Quilt PatternPart 2: Simple Changes = Knockout Quilts! In the Irish Chain Quilt Pattern: Part 1 we learned the basic layouts for this easy quilt pattern. When the blocks are set in horizontal rows (also called 'straight sets') there are no bias edges for the beginning quilter to fuss with. All it takes are strips, squares and rectangles. But we promised this is more than just a quilt pattern for beginners. Make Simple ChangesConfident beginners, intermediate and advanced quilters can all find something alluring about the Irish Chain by changing one of it's elements:
Tinkering with one, some or all of these elements radically changes the appearance of this traditional quilt without a corresponding change in skill needed. Use an On-Point Layout
Using the same nine patch and solid blocks from Part 1, we now choose an on-point setting. Blocks are arranged in diagonal rows. Corner and setting triangles are required to complete the sides of the quilt. (You can find more information on these triangle shapes on our page Setting Triangles.) Though not hard to manage, these triangles add some bias seams to the quilt. In this single Irish chain, solid squares alternated with simple nine patch quilt blocks result in a quilt design like this:  On-point setting 9 x 11 blocks Make Smaller BlocksNow reduce the size of these simple nine-patch quilt blocks to 'itty-bitty'. Add shirting squares instead of solids and you have the stunning result, The Birthday Quilt.  A Single Irish Chain with an on-point setting 68 inches square The nine-patch blocks finish at 1-1/2 inches and are strip pieced from 1 inch strips...lots and lots of 1 inch strips! The darker fabrics create a strong grid pattern. See how it glimmers a bit when the 'dark' in the nine-patch quilt block is a chrome yellow or Halloween orange. This simple detail makes a more interesting and vibrant quilt, don't you think? Change the Color...Perhaps a detour from the traditional color layout is more your style. In this version of a Double Irish Chain, the fabrics are reversed. A dark blue background becomes one of the two fabrics for the 'chain'. The other is now the 'light'. With just two colors in this quilt the 'X' pattern is replaced by a checkerboard in Block 1. The blocks now look like this...
...and seem to disappear in the resulting quilt. (Remember, we used an on-point setting. Use the outlines to identify the blocks.)  On-point setting 6 x 8 blocks ...and its placement!Add an extra fabric and fiddle with the color placement in the same 5x5 grid block layout and on-point setting. Instead of the traditional 'X', the blocks look more random. But looks are deceiving. You'll need these three different block layouts.
Set together, they create a field of interwoven ribbons.  Diagonal set 6 x 8 blocks Some of the piecing lines have been removed so that they don't distract from the design. Push the EnvelopeColorwashing patches is nothing new. Use either gradated or patterned fabrics (like florals) to blend the colors between adjacent blocks and the 'chains' seem to flow or melt into each other. Using these two blocks based on an 11x11 grid, the 'chain' colors are graded from a dark royal to a pale blue. (The piecing lines are left in these blocks illustrations.)
Notice how the chains in the quilt (shown below) are a bit fuzzier, the effect not quite as masculine. Using a floral fabric to blend from chain to chain would further soften this striking use of color and pattern. (Some of the piecing lines have been removed to make it easier to see the design.)  Straight set 7 x 9 blocks Wouldn't the open spaces between the chains be the perfect spot to showcase your applique or machine quilting? You Can Never Have Enough FabricUp until now, all of the quilts have used a controlled or limited fabric palette. Let's throw caution to the wind! With it's more contemporary feeling black background and 'chains' galore, this next quilt is the perfect choice to help clean out some of your fabric scraps. These are the blocks, again, based on an 11x11 grid.
Notice the bright green patches that form a border around the chains when the blocks are assembled. The contrast between the black background and this 'organized' or 'planned' green holds the whole design together. The scraps themselves are mostly mediums and darks with a few lights thrown in for that 'sparkle' factor. Use a 1 inch finished grid and this dazzling layout is truly a stash buster and a piecing tour de force!  >Straight set 7 x 9 blocks It's that simple.Change the layout, the scale or color palette. That's all it takes to transform this easy quilt pattern into a dazzling Irish Chain quilt any quilter, regardless of their skill level, would be proud to stitch and own. For more information on Irish Chain Quilt Patterns see:
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